Do Negative Online Reviews Really Matter To Dentists?

While the idea of a negative online review strikes fear into the hearts of many dentists, others feel a good number of the negative reviews are bogus.

That’s because some dentists asked negative reviewers to contact them to discuss the matter, and heard nothing — or the dentist knew the alleged incident did not occur in their office.

The Wealthy Dentist decided to conduct a survey to ask dentists if they have experienced a negative online review and how they handled the situation. 64% of dentists responded that they have received a negative online review, with 31% saying they received more than one. Only 36% have not (yet) experienced a negative online review.

“A staff member was able to find out who posted the review and they weren’t a patient. It was just someone posting negative things about businesses randomly.” (California dentist)

“I was listed on Yelp and I tried contacting the patients but they were fictitious or non-responsive.” (Massachusetts dentist)

“Not quite sure what to do- the patient hasn’t been to our office in 3-4 years and must have gotten some itch to slam us online.” (Michigan dentist)

“These reviews appear to be bogus. I have a small practice and many of the negative items mentioned do not even apply to me. Could be my ex-partner . . . I also wonder if it could be the reputation police.” (General dentist)

“Had to respond twice. We suspect the X-wife of my boyfriend! Just replied and asked other patients to do positive testimonials to counteract the negative one. Legal action was too expensive.” (California dentist)

“It was not a patient of record and the complaint made no sense, but it was taken down after 2 or 3 years.” (Oral Surgeon)

“It was on a neighborhood website. I contacted an attorney and then emailed the web admin and threatened to sue. They took the comments away immediately. I was surprised they did. The comments were completely ridiculous and it wasn’t like I could post photos of the patients’ cavities in retaliation due to HIPAA. I haven’t had any bad reviews on true internet sites like Yelp or Angie’s List or any of the others that I am aware of. I think it essentially gives the 10% (who are never satisfied) the megaphone.” (Georgia dentist)

The material on this website is offered in conjunction with MasterPlan
Alliance.

Copyright 2017 Du Molin & Du Molin, Inc.
All rights reserved. If you would like to use material from this site, our reports, articles, training
programsor tutorials for use in any printed or electronic media, please ask permission first by email.